UA, DCH Health System Announce Partnership To Boost Nursing Workforce

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The University of Alabama’s Capstone College of Nursing, the Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education (OTIDE) and DCH Health System have launched a new partnership aimed at expanding educational access and workforce development opportunities for nurses and health care professionals.

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The initiative centers on advancing nursing education through the RN to BSN mobility program, allowing DCH nurses to pursue their bachelor’s degrees online while continuing their bedside roles.

“This partnership represents a powerful investment in our nursing workforce,” said Dr. Michelle Cheshire, associate dean of undergraduate programs at the Capstone College of Nursing. “By increasing access to flexible, high-quality education through the RN to BSN mobility program, we’re helping DCH nurses to advance their careers without stepping away from the bedside.”

UA says the collaboration is designed to support lifelong learning and career growth in the health care sector, focusing on promoting the RN to BSN online degree for DCH employees and recognizing the critical role of registered nurses in delivering patient care.

Kaitlyn Wyatt, a nurse with DCH Health System and a graduate of the RN to BSN program, said the degree had a profound impact on her professional development.

“This program didn’t just strengthen my clinical knowledge, it helped me define what kind of leader I want to be,” Wyatt said.

In addition to the RN to BSN degree, the partnership offers DCH employees and their families access to other UA Online programs and services, including more than 100 degree and certificate programs, continuing education certifications, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and UA Early College.

“The University of Alabama is committed to empowering students through a wide range of resources suited for their individual paths to success,” OTIDE Associate Provost Robert Hayes said. “We tailor services specifically for working adult learners as they advance toward promotions, certifications or new career opportunities.”

DCH Health System officials say the partnership aligns with the organization’s mission to maintain a highly skilled and educated workforce.

“Our partnership with OTIDE is another important step in supporting our nurses’ educational goals and professional growth,” DCH Chief Nursing Officer Dawn Alexander said. “DCH values ensuring our nurses have access to a broad scope of educational opportunities enabling them to deliver the highest quality care.”

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